Clearweld
Clearweld, a product line of Crysta-Lyn Chemical Company, manufactures ClearweldR, a near-infrared absorbing additive enabling laser welding of transparent plastics. The company sells coatings and resin additives to manufacturers in automotive, medical device, battery, electronics, packaging, textile, and defense industries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1992
- HeadquartersBinghamton, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Clearweld does
Clearweld operates as a specialty-chemical product line within Crysta-Lyn Chemical Company, a privately held manufacturer founded in 1992 and headquartered in Endicott, New York, with primary production in Binghamton, New York. Clearweld produces ClearweldR, a near-infrared (NIR) absorbing additive that enables laser welding of transparent and IR/NIR-transparent plastics — a problem traditional thermal, ultrasonic, and adhesive joining methods cannot solve cleanly for clear-to-clear joints. The offering is delivered in two formats: solvent-based coatings (100 Series and 900 Series, including acetone- and ethanol-based variants) applied to part surfaces, and resin additives (LWA 267 for 900-1000 nm lasers and LWA 983A for 1000-1094 nm lasers) compounded at 0.015-0.1 weight % into thermoplastics such as PC, PMMA, PP, HDPE, PA, PEEK, and COC. Both formats are qualified for use with 900-1100 nm NIR laser systems and have been adopted across automotive sensor/optics housings, medical devices (with USP Class VI biocompatibility), lithium-ion battery and photovoltaic housings, electronics, packaging, textiles, and defense applications.
The business model is sales-led direct, supplemented by a curated network of regional laser-system providers, coating-equipment suppliers (Sono-Tek, PVA, Nordson EFD, REA Jet), and professional compounders (Americhem, RTP Company) that extend Clearweld's reach across the USA, Europe, China, Japan, and Korea. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is negotiated per application. The ClearweldR trademark and core technology were developed by TWI, Ltd. in 1998, licensed exclusively to Gentex Corporation, and subsequently acquired under exclusive license by Crysta-Lyn in 2011. Since the 2011 license acquisition, Crysta-Lyn has introduced the lower-cost 900 Series and is developing screen-printable, pad-printable, and ink-jet ClearweldR formulations, alongside complementary Black IR-transparent inks, to broaden application and deposition options.
Clearweld firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Clearweld
- Legal name
- Crysta-Lyn Chemical Company
- Website
- https://clearweld.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1992
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Clearweld, a product line of Crysta-Lyn Chemical Company, manufactures ClearweldR, a near-infrared absorbing additive enabling laser welding of transparent plastics. The company sells coatings and resin additives to manufacturers in automotive, medical device, battery, electronics, packaging, textile, and defense industries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Clearweld industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Chemicals — Laser Welding Additives
- NAICS
- Synthetic Dye and Pigment Manufacturing (325130)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Welding, Joining & Soldering Equipment (Arc, Resistance, Friction, Brazing) (IMAHADAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Injection Molded Optical & Transparent Parts (Lenses, Light Guides) (IMANAFAL)
Keywords
Where Clearweld is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Binghamton
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Clearweld business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- ClearweldR Coatings: Sale of solvent-based coating solutions (100 Series and 900 Series) for laser welding plastic parts. Solutions are applied to part surfaces and convert IR/NIR laser energy to heat. Sold directly to manufacturers and through compounders.
- ClearweldR Resin Additives: Sale of additive materials (LWA 267 and LWA 983A) for compounding into thermoplastic resins. Additives are sold to compounders or directly to customers who then compound into their resin formulations for injection molding, film production, or 3D printing applications.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels3 records
Clearweld product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ClearweldR is a near-infrared (NIR) absorbing additive material supplied as solvent-based coatings (100 Series and 900 Series) or compounding powders (LWA 267 and LWA 983A) that enable laser welding of IR- and NIR-transparent plastics. Applied to part surfaces or compounded into thermoplastic resins, the additive converts 900-1100 nm laser energy into heat at the weld interface, producing clear-to-clear, hermetic, particle-free bonds across butt, edge, lap, and tee joints for manufacturers in automotive, medical devices, electronics, packaging, textiles, defense, and battery/photovoltaic systems.
Product overview
Clearweld is a laser welding technology company that provides ClearweldR, a near infrared (NIR) absorbing additive material enabling the laser welding of transparent and IR/NIR transparent plastics. The product portfolio consists of two main categories: solvent-based coatings (100 Series and 900 Series) applied to part surfaces, and resin additives (LWA 267 and LWA 983A) compounded into thermoplastic materials for injection molding. The coatings are applied using ultrasonic sprayers, ink-jet printers, or other dispensing methods, while resin additives are compounded into the bulk material. Both approaches work with 900-1100nm NIR laser systems and are used in applications including automotive, medical, electronics, packaging, textiles, renewables, and defense industries. Crysta-Lyn Chemical Company, the exclusive manufacturer and distributor, is also developing additional formulations including screen printable inks, pad printable inks, and ink jet formulations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ClearweldR LD 100 Series Coatings Solvent-based coatings that enable two pieces of plastic to be welded using IR/NIR laser systems. Applied to part surfaces via ultrasonic spray, ink-jet printing, pen plotter, spin coating, drop cast, or other solvent-based dispensing methods. Meets USP Class VI standards and is suited for medical device manufacturing.
- ClearweldR LD 900 Series Coatings Lower-cost alternative to the 100 Series with the same characteristics. Achieves strong bonds on a wide array of substrates including PC, PMMA, PP, HDPE, PA6, COC, and PS. Includes acetone-based 920 and ethanol-based 940 (preferred in medical devices). Tested using USP Class VI certification.
- ClearweldR LWA 267 Resin Additive Additive material for laser welding systems operating at 900-1000 nm wavelength. Acts as an infrared absorber when compounded into plastics. Compatible with ABS, COC, PA 12, PA 6, PBT, PC, HDPE, LDPE, PEEK, PMMA, PP, PS, PSU, and other resins at 0.015-0.1 weight %. Has undergone dermal toxicity testing.
- ClearweldR LWA 983A Resin Additive Additive material for laser welding systems operating at 1000-1094 nm wavelength. Acts as an infrared absorber when compounded into plastics. Compatible with ABS, COC, PA 12, PA 6, PBT, PC, HDPE, LDPE, PMMA, PP, PS, PSU, and other resins. Has been tested for cytotoxicity.
Quantifiable outcome
- Welds remain sealed for over 10 years with no leaks
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Clearweld
Customer profileSegments7 records
Ideal customer profiles7 records
Clearweld technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration13 records
Feature4 records
Clearweld partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and strategic.
- Gentex CorporationcoreGentex Corporation holds the commercialization rights to ClearweldR technology originally developed by TWI, Ltd. Crysta-Lyn Chemical Company acquired the exclusive license to manufacture and distribute Clearweld products from Gentex in 2011.
- TWI, Ltd.coreTWI, Ltd. is a UK-based industrial research and development organization that developed the ClearweldR process in 1998 and began working with Gentex Corporation to develop near IR absorbing materials. TWI subsequently granted exclusive commercialization rights to Gentex.
- AmerichemmajorAmerichem is a professional compounder recommended by Clearweld for customers who need to compound ClearweldR additives into their resin formulations but lack compounding capabilities.
- RTP CompanymajorRTP Company is a professional compounder recommended by Clearweld for compounding ClearweldR additives into customer resin formulations for injection molding, film production, or 3D printing applications.
- REA JetstrategicClearweld is working with REA Jet to develop an ink jet ClearweldR formulation for application via ink jet printing systems. REA Jet is also a recommended coating equipment provider for USA and Europe markets.
- Crysta-Lyn Chemical CompanycoreCrysta-Lyn Chemical Company, founded in 1992, is a US-based specialty chemical manufacturer and the exclusive licensee of Clearweld technology. Headquartered in Endicott, NY with primary manufacturing in Binghamton, NY. Dedicated to development, synthesis, and production of high-value specialty organic UV, visible, and near-infrared absorbing materials.
- EmersonmajorEmerson is a recommended laser system provider for ClearweldR laser welding across USA, Europe, and Japan markets.
- ProByLasmajorProByLas is a recommended laser system provider for ClearweldR laser welding in USA and Europe markets.
- Sono-TekmajorSono-Tek provides ultrasonic spray systems for Clearweld coating application, enabling uniform films with minimal variations. Recommended coating equipment provider for USA, Japan, and general use.
- EV LasermajorEV Laser is a recommended laser system provider for ClearweldR in Europe, Japan, and Korea markets.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Clearweld competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Herrmann Ultrasonics: Herrmann Ultrasonics is a leading global supplier of ultrasonic and laser plastic welding systems, competing directly with the laser welding processes Clearweld enables for medical, automotive, and consumer plastics assembly.
- Sonics & Materials: Sonics & Materials manufactures ultrasonic welding equipment and competing plastic joining systems serving medical device, automotive, and packaging applications — directly competing for the welding process decisions Clearweld aims to win.
- Dukane: Dukane is a direct provider of plastic welding and joining solutions (ultrasonic, vibration, hot plate, and laser) serving automotive, medical, and packaging manufacturers. It competes for the same customer welding applications that Clearweld's chemistry enables.
- Amada Miyachi: Amada Miyachi (formerly Amada Miyachi America) supplies laser welding, resistance welding, and micro-joining equipment for medical devices, automotive sensors, and electronics — directly competing in the laser welding space Clearweld serves.
Broad incumbents
- Gentex Corporation: Gentex Corporation is the original commercializer of Clearweld technology and current licensor. While broader (primarily known for automotive dimming mirrors), it has direct involvement in the Clearweld IP chain and competes in adjacent laser welding/enabling chemistries.
- Jenoptik: Jenoptik is a global supplier of laser-based manufacturing solutions including laser welding systems for plastics and metals. Its laser welding equipment competes with the broader plastic welding market in which Clearweld's additives are used.
- LPKF Laser & Electronics: LPKF supplies laser welding systems for plastics, including transmission laser welding equipment that competes with the broader laser welding ecosystem Clearweld enables. It represents an equipment-side alternative pathway for plastic joining customers.
- Emerson (Branson): Branson (Emerson) is a major supplier of plastic joining technologies including ultrasonic and laser welding systems. It is both a recommended Clearweld partner and a competing plastic welding technology provider for OEMs evaluating joining methods.
Others
- RTP Company: RTP Company is a leading custom thermoplastic compounder that is also a recommended Clearweld partner. While not a direct competitor, it represents a downstream channel partner with potential to develop competing absorptive additive formulations under its own portfolio.
- TWI Ltd. TWI is the UK-based R&D organization that originally developed ClearweldR in 1998 and continues to conduct advanced welding research. While not a direct competitor, it serves as the upstream technology originator and ongoing research partner in the Clearweld ecosystem.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Clearweld social profiles
Digital presenceClearweld compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Clearweld financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Clearweld leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Clearweld funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Clearweld M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Clearweld
What does Clearweld do?
ClearweldR is a near-infrared (NIR) absorbing additive material supplied as solvent-based coatings (100 Series and 900 Series) or compounding powders (LWA 267 and LWA 983A) that enable laser welding of IR- and NIR-transparent plastics. Applied to part surfaces or compounded into thermoplastic resins, the additive converts 900-1100 nm laser energy into heat at the weld interface, producing clear-to-clear, hermetic, particle-free bonds across butt, edge, lap, and tee joints for manufacturers in automotive, medical devices, electronics, packaging, textiles, defense, and battery/photovoltaic systems.
Is Clearweld a public or private company?
Clearweld is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Clearweld founded?
Clearweld was founded in 1992. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Clearweld based?
Clearweld is headquartered in Binghamton, United States, in the North America region.
How does Clearweld make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. ClearweldR Coatings are the primary driver. The others are clearweldR Resin Additives.
Who are Clearweld's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Herrmann Ultrasonics, Sonics & Materials, Dukane and Amada Miyachi. Broad incumbents are Gentex Corporation, Jenoptik, LPKF Laser & Electronics and Emerson (Branson). Others are RTP Company and TWI Ltd..
Does Clearweld have an API?
No public API is recorded for Clearweld.
What industry is Clearweld in?
Clearweld's product category is Specialty Chemicals — Laser Welding Additives. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHADAH, Welding, Joining & Soldering Equipment (Arc, Resistance, Friction, Brazing), with a secondary code of IMANAFAL, Injection Molded Optical & Transparent Parts (Lenses, Light Guides). Its NAICS code is 325130 and its SIC code is 2890.